Alexander 'reserves the prerogative' to filibuster SCOTUS nominee

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) says he is "resreving the prerogative" to filibuster whomever President Obama nominates to replace Justice Stevens.

In a statement issued by his office, Alexander said a filibuster would be acceptable in "extraordinary cases":

“Justice Stevens has had a long and impressive career. I hope President Obama will nominate his successor from the middle and not from the fringe. His nominee will be fairly and respectfully considered. The question is not whether the president's nominee is politically 'on my side,' but whether he or she is well-qualified and has a record of being impartial. In truly extraordinary cases, I reserve the prerogative to vote no on confirmation or even to vote to deny an up-or-down vote.”